Fun Family Traditions

Karabo Molokomme • September 2, 2023

Fun Family Traditions & Ideas On How To Create Your Own

A man , woman and child are standing next to each other.

Being part of a family is far more than sharing a surname, a house, parents, or other siblings. Being part of a family is a feeling of belonging and having connections that other “outside” people may not understand. To get our family connections stronger, we simply need to spend more time doing things as a family.


According to the Family Research Council in the USA, the average family spends just 37 minutes a day with each other and often those minutes are not quality interactions. So how do we make meaningful connections? We create meaningful family traditions!

 

Family Traditions can be long-standing, passing from generation to generation, from great-grandparents all the way down to grandchildren. We call these traditions ‘Legacy Traditions’. While Legacy traditions are very special, it’s also never too late to create a new family tradition – and if it’s good enough then it will one day become a Legacy Tradition.

 

 

Here are 6 family tradition ideas, that will create those meaningful connections:

 

1. The Family Spring Day Swim


Very apt, as we move into Spring! No matter where you are, if you are alone or together, no matter the weather, or the temperature, do a Spring Day Swim for the family. Okay, we hear you; September can be super-cool so maybe it doesn’t necessarily have to be a SWIM. Maybe it could be watered down dunk-and-run. Just make sure you all do it, preferably together, but at least documented. Do the count down to the jump, laugh, and freeze together followed by a shower and a hot chocolate! You can start this tradition today.

 

2. Pay Day Family Feast


Every month-end, or start of the following month, create a family ‘Pay Day Family Feast’ tradition. Each family member gets to choose a restaurant to try, and on payday you all go out to eat together. It’s possible you may end up at MacDonald’s one month, and at Marble the next – it all depends on whose turn it is to choose. This will be something the family looks forward to and a way to keep you all connected, even when the kids have grown and left home.

 

3. Annual Family Challenge


Vacations are nice, but vacations with a challenge or a purpose build connection. An idea for a family challenge is the Whale Trail - a 58km, 5-day hike in the Western Cape. Climb up the mountains, walk along the beach, stay in 12-man huts, make fires, braai, climb rocks, pick shells, swim in the rivers, build memories and laugh a lot! Achieve the accolade of finishing the hike as a family and then immediately book the next Family Challenge for the following year – non-negotiable. This is not confined to hiking, it could also be an Open Water Swim event, The Midmar Mile, The Two Oceans marathon, or an annual music concert.


Read our article on why traveling as a family is important.

 

4. The Family Photo Book


Every year in December, have a photo book printed for the family. The book should be of picture of everyone and your activities from the past year. Each person in the family can choose some of their favourite pictures or can send some choices on the family group to be included in the yearbook. And every year, each family member must sign the front cover with a note for the year. Something to be cherished forever.

 

5. Bake Day


Sometimes, overcomplicating traditions can lead to family stress… we don’t want stress! Keep it simple. You can even do a basic bake day. Once a month, perhaps on the last Sunday of the month, do a family bake morning with the kids. Choose a recipe, get the ingredients, and then make the special treat for breakfast or Sunday tea. Families who bake together, stay together – remember that as you munch on a crumpet.

 

6. Birthday Tradition


Birthdays are not just important to the birthday boy or girl; when you are in family birthdays are also important to the whole family. So why not introduce a birthday tradition to make things even more special. Try birthday balloons to fill a room when they wake up. A birthday crown and sash on their breakfast plate? A ‘Gift Hunt’ with written clues for them to find their birthday gift? A Birthday pie-in-the-face perhaps? A choreographed birthday dance by the whole family for the birthday person. The options here are endless. But whatever you choose, make it yours… a family tradition of fun forever.

 

Below are some links to websites that can inspire you to create some other fun family traditions. Enjoy!

 

https://www.parents.com/fun/activities/fun-family-tradition-ideas/

https://www.betterup.com/blog/family-traditions

https://www.verywellfamily.com/family-rituals-meaning-examples-3288187

 

 

 

Teacher Spotlight: Mr Chris Herbst Afrikaans Teacher at Crawford International Sandton

April 25, 2025
A Lifelong Educator Mr Chris Herbst has spent 41 years in the classroom. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has taught countless learners over the decades. He joined Crawford International Sandton in 1999 and currently teaches Afrikaans to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. His role spans across five different year groups, a challenge he embraces. “I have my hands full as I navigate the excitement and challenges of teaching an additional language to five different grades,” he says. Why Teaching Still Matters For Mr Herbst, teaching is not a job. It is something he feels deeply connected to. “Teaching is my great passion and calling. The classroom is where I find my motivation and inspiration,” he shares. “When we have a really good lesson and I see our students leave having learned something new, or figured out a challenging concept, then I am motivated and inspired all over again.” These everyday moments keep him grounded in his purpose. They are the quiet victories that reaffirm his place in the classroom. Freedom to Teach with Meaning Mr Herbst values Crawford’s approach to learning, particularly the way it supports teacher agency and student-centred learning. “I love the fact that the focus is student-centred, and that as teachers we have the freedom and the responsibility to create a teaching and learning environment that works best for every learning need,” he says. He believes this flexibility allows for learning to become more meaningful. “If I identify that a particular topic or poem has piqued the interest of my class, I have the freedom to delve deeper and really explore the subject matter without being bound by rigid syllabus rules and time frames.” Connecting Language to the Real World Teaching Afrikaans in a school where it is often an additional language means finding ways to make it resonate. Mr Herbst understands that for many students, the subject may not come naturally. “For many students, learning another language may initially feel like a requirement rather than a passion,” he explains. To bridge that gap, he brings the language to life through content that students can relate to. “It’s important to integrate engaging, real-world content such as music, movies, and stories that align with the students’ interests.” These tools, he believes, help students see the language in context and build an emotional connection to it. A Teaching Legacy  Over the course of his career, Mr Herbst has taught more than one generation in the same family. It is a milestone he reflects on with pride. “I have taught students who are now parents, and I am teaching their children today. It doesn’t get better than that.” But what stands out most for him is being remembered. “By far my biggest kick is when a past student recognises me and comes over to strike up a conversation and talk about their life and work after school.”
10 Reasons why early childhood development is important, child with glasses smiling

10 Reasons Why Early Childhood Development is Important

By ADvTECH Group • April 15, 2025
The 10 reasons why the first six years of a child's life are crucial when it comes to early childhood development, read all about it in this article.
Toddler putting apples in a muffin pan, one-to-one correspondence

One to one correspondence

By Ashmita Mistry • April 8, 2025
Crawford schools blog article on one-to-one correspondence in early development and the importance of this developmental skill that adults take for granted.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK

March 28, 2025
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing.  Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.
Career guidance for grade 9: Student resting against a whiteboard with books

Career guidance for Grade 9: What subjects should you choose?

By ADvTECH Group • March 19, 2025
Let’s try and make sense of career guidance by giving you some information on how to choose your Grade 10 to 12 subjects. Read on to find some helpful pointers.
A young boy in a plaid shirt is giving a thumbs up.

Determining Your Childs' Personality Type

March 19, 2025
Empower yourself as a parent by learning how to determine your child's personality type. Read more at Crawford International.

Understanding the Kinesthetic Learning Style

By Neo Moshoeu • February 27, 2025
Explore how hands-on activities and physical engagement benefit kinesthetic learners, and discover teaching strategies that harness movement to boost comprehension and retention.

The Power of Warm Demanders in Education and Their Impact on Student Outcomes

February 21, 2025
Learn how warm demanders—teachers who combine firm expectations with genuine care—can foster positive student-teacher relationships, boost academic achievement, and strengthen learners’ resilience in the classroom.

The Role of Digital Literacy in Education

February 14, 2025
Discover how digital literacy shapes modern classrooms by fostering critical thinking, enhancing collaboration, and preparing students for success in our rapidly evolving world.

A Guide for First-Time School Parents

February 7, 2025
Discover essential insights and practical tips to help you navigate your child’s first year at school, from enrollment steps to building a positive learning environment.
Show More